Tascha - question for you about Lorazepam

[Tybear]

Hey there. I noticed in another thread that you said you took lorazepam. I was prescribed it during chemo to help with my occasional insomnia, but was to chicken s#*t to take it! (as my Dr said, I would not make a very good drug addict!) I am now dealing with insomnia again, but because of my anxiety about my upcoming CT scan next month. Did you have any problems or side effects while using it? Honestly, I've been taking Gravol to help me, but I'm sure that's not quite what it's intended for!
Thanks alot!
Becky

[Thuney]

I have taken Lorazepam on two different occasions--and had absolutely NO side effects.  I don't know what dosage you have 5mg or 10mg; but, if you are hesitant, take 5 mg first (can cut the 10mg in half).  If it gives you enough relaxation, then fine--if not, then take the other 5mg.

Honestly, though, I found it to be quite mild, but effective.

[kathy o]

I too was prescribed it for chemo and usually took for a couple of days after treatment. usually gave me a good 6 hour sleep, no side effects.

[kathy o]

5mgs

[MickeyVicki]

Becky,  I have frequently administered this drug to my clients, as the medication is often used to assist the elderly with anxiety issues and to help cancer patients get the restfull sleep they need.  Even my current client,  who is under hospice care, is given this medication when necessary.  The person is not only elderly, but VERY debilitated, and weighs approximately 86 pounds.  Nonetheless, this individual suffers no ill effects from even a whole 10 mg tablet.  It does calm the client, allowing restful sleep.

And, lorazepam tablets can not only be divided into halves, but into quarters as well.  So, if it will ease your mind about using the drug, then cut a tablet into four pieces.  Try a quarter tablet one night, then try a half tablet the next night...unless, of course, you feel that you have unwanted side effects.   Taking the medication a little  at a time, increasing gradually, might ease any concerns you have about taking the drug. Best wishes.

[Gatsby]

I was given the 5mg pills and have had absolutely no side effects at all.  My presciption was for 1 pill every 8 hours, but I just took them only when I needed them and it was mostly at night to get some sleep.  Once in a while I needed one during the day, but never needed the 3 pills.  They were very helpful for me and I did not have any problems when I stopped taking them either.  I think just knowing that I had them helped tremendously!!  
~Tascha

[Tybear]

Thank you all for your responses. I was prescribed 5mg tablets, and I guess I will try them. I am like a zombie right now - I am tired, yet can't fall asleep at night - it's horrible. I try to lay down for a nap, and I just lay there with my eyes closed - it almost makes me more tired! On a brighter note, I couldn't sleep last night and my son was with his Grandparents for the evening, so I took $20.00 to the casino (yes, only $20.00 - I'm so cheap!) and won $400.00 on a slot machine - go figure!

[kathy o]

I also took lorazapam while being infused because the Benadryl gave me restless legs and this stopped it, by the time chemo was over it had pretty much worn off.... I had not taken the Lorazapam during chemo and i asked the nurse for something for my restless legs and she said that wss what the lorazapam was for! Worked wonderfully, I would cut a 5 mg in half so I would not totally pass out during chemo, just sit there in lala land!

[Tybear]

Ugh, I wish I had known that! The Benadryl was seriously the worst part of having chemo done. I couldn't stop moving my legs and I was so sleepy (from the benadryl) but couldn't sleep because of my legs! They told me there was nothing they could do - I guess I'll remember this, should the need ever arise again!

[kathy o]

Too bad!!!! Hopefully you won't have to worry about that again..... Kathy